Another wonderful brand is Enjoy Life. They make the most amazing gluten, dairy, and soy free mini chocolate chips!

What's one thing you'd like all moms to know about food allergies (either about your family's specific allergies or in general)?

It is not okay for someone to feed my child something without my permission.
Even though the ingredients on the packaging may not list something my child might specifically be allergic to, there is always chance of cross contamination or a hidden ingredient you may not be aware of.

1. Lightly grease an 11” x 7” pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the first seven ingredients.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together the remaining ingredients until just blended. Stir continuously and pull mixture off the heat immediately once blended. Carefully pour the contents of the saucepan into the dry ingredients and combine.
4. Using a spatula, press the mixture into the greased pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. Freeze for at least 2 hours before enjoying. Store in an airtight container in the freezer.

What advice would you give to a mom who just found out her child has a food allergy?

Food allergies are difficult, but once you learn to become more flexible and creative in your culinary thinking, dealing with a food allergy (or food allergies) becomes easier. It's a big learning curve at first. That's why it is so important to connect with other moms and food allergy mom bloggers online (and locally in your area) who have already been there and are more than willing to share their stories, recipes, products, and other helpful information.

What's a great allergy-safe food to bring to a party?

Brownies if I have time to make them. I use this recipe: http://maidinak.com/2011/02/10/melt-in-your-mouth-valentines-day-brownies/.

If I don't have time to make anything, we will usually swing by the store and grab a bag of Pamela's Simplebites Mini Cookies - the Ginger Mini Snapz are the only flavor that works with our allergies. :)

What's your go-to cooking shortcut?

Buy a rice cooker - that way you always have leftover rice in your fridge!

It's also good to remember that meals don't always have to be complicated; they can be very basic and easy, yet still satisfying. When I'm in a bind for a quick meal for my family, I'll cut up some apples, grab a protein (whether that is leftover meat, lunch meat, eggs, and/or almonds), we'll have a salad or another type of veggie, and possibly some rice or quinoa.